A letter (“Bring back Ivy Vann”) stated that I was out of step with the Democratic Party. This letter cited five votes. There is not the space within 300 words to explain five votes. Therefore I will respond to what the letter inferring -- that I am anti-housing policy and anti-gun safety legislation. This is false. I supported gun safety legislation which was properly written such as HB59, HB1711 and more. I supported housing policy which was properly written, such as HB469, HB1291 and more. 

Each of the bills cited in the letter were poorly written, usurped local control or were unenforceable. I was elected to serve the people of Peterborough and Sharon, not to pass legislation because it looks good in a campaign. I could agree with the intent of the legislation until the cows come home, but if it is poorly written, I will not support it. On each bill cited, I was far from the only Democrat who voted the way I did. I wasn’t the only Democrat serving our district who did, either. I know how I voted and can explain each vote thoroughly. I look forward to doing that at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 at Peterborough Town Library during our debate.

I am proud of my record in the Legislature – passing 23 bills through the House, 15 through the Senate to the governor, 12 of which are now law. Passing education funding legislation to our public schools (HB1583), hair-based discrimination law (HB1169), requiring lobbyists to report their income (HB1666) and much more. I ask for your vote Sept. 10 to continue the work to fund our schools, protect our environment and make this a state which works for all its citizens.

State Rep. Jonah Orion Wheeler

Peterborough